Garden Q&A: Tips for picking the perfect tree

QUESTION: What is the best type of Christmas tree to buy? – L.A., Belvidere

QUESTION: What is the best type of Christmas tree to buy? – L.A., Belvidere

ANSWER: Your taste will most likely dictate which tree you choose, however, shape, fragrance and needle retention are things to consider. You should be able to find a good selection of pines, spruces and firs available locally.

Scotch pine is the most common Christmas tree, with stiff branches and dark green one-inch needles. It keeps its aroma throughout the season and has good needle retention.

White pine has soft, long, blue-green needles. It has excellent needle retention and little or no fragrance, making it a good choice for those with allergies.
Black Hills spruce has short, green to blue-green needles, which may be too sharp for small children.

Blue spruce will drop needles in a warm room, but is best among the species for needle retention. Its stiff branches will support many heavy decorations.

Norway spruce has a strong fragrance and nice shape with shiny, dark green needles, but needle retention is poor without proper care.

Balsam fir offers short, flat, long-lasting needles that are rounded at the tip. It’s fragrant and has a nice, dark green color with silvery cast.

Douglas fir is one of the best for fragrance and holds it blue to dark green needles.
Fraser fir has good needle retention, a nice scent and strong branches.

White fir or Concolor fir provides a nice shape and aroma, with good needle retention.
Whichever type of tree you choose, make sure it’s a fresh one. Many trees sold on lots may have been cut weeks earlier. Before making your purchase, ask if they receive fresh stock throughout the selling season.

Needles should be flexible and not fall off if you run a branch through your hand. Try raising the tree a few inches off the ground and dropping it on its stump. Very few green needles should drop, though it’s normal for a few brown needles to fall.

To keep your tree fresh throughout the holiday season, make a fresh, one-inch cut and place the tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of fresh water.

This week’s answer comes from Kristi Nelson, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener, Winnebago County. Master Gardeners can be contacted weekdays at the University of Illinois Extension office at 815-986-4357.

Rockford Register Star

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